Cape Verde
Aruba Holidays
;img.crop(width:658%2Cheight:370))
Holidays to Aruba might offer up all the Caribbean stereotypes, but this Dutch isle has a personality all of its own.
Caribbean scenery
Aruba has all the qualities a Caribbean island should have – white sands, swaying palm trees and bath-warm waters. The best swathe of coast is the 11-kilometre stretch that connects Palm Beach and Eagle Beach on the island’s western side. This swathe clinched fourth place on TripAdvisor’s poll of the world’s best beaches in 2018.
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Aruba is actually part of a trio of islands known as the ABCs – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – and, together with Holland, they make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As such, there’s a Dutch influence on the island. De Olde Mollen in Palm Beach is a bona-fide Dutch windmill, which was shipped over from Holland in the Sixties.
American influence
Dutch isn’t the only culture that’s shaped Aruba. There’s a strong American influence, too. A lot of the restaurants in Oranjestad and Palm Beach serve USA-style food like Tex-Mex, Buffalo wings and ribs. Plus, newspapers like Aruba Today focus on American current affairs.
Beach resorts
Over in Palm Beach, one of the island’s most popular coastal resorts, high-rise hotels and swish casinos line the sands. At the other end of the spectrum, Eagle Beach is Aruba on a go-slow – think thatched beach hangouts serving up pina coladas.
At a glance
-
Watch the sunset from the pier on Palm Beach
-
Maroon yourself on De Palm Island
-
Blow the budget in the designer shops in Oranjestad
Destinations in Aruba
Top Destinations
-
Palm Beach
Holidays to Palm Beach are the complete package – shimmering sands, tropical reefs, and enough entertainment to get voted the world’s number-one family destination.
-
Eagle Beach
Paradise is closer than you think with holidays to Eagle Beach. Aruba’s most prized resort has pinch-me-I’m-dreaming sands, turquoise waters, and the occasional divi-divi tree blowing in the breeze.
-
Oranjestad
Holidays to Oranjestad give you a Caribbean break with a European dusting. First-rate sands share island space with Dutch and Spanish-style buildings and restaurants.
-
Druif Beach
When you're not stretched out on perfect white sands, holidays to Druif Beach serve up gourmet food and live entertainment to complete your Caribbean fantasy.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT Aruba
-
Culture
Where is hot in April?
Here’s where to book your holiday in April for guaranteed sunshine and warm temperatures
-
-
Style
Which is the best Caribbean Island? | TUI
Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Here’s our guide to the best of the islands, including St Lucia, Barbados and Cuba.
-
Active
The five best cycling holidays for summer 2018
Whether you're a serious cyclist or a laid-back biker, here's where to get out and about on two wheels
